Tyson Fury admits fears after watching Wilder vs Chisora

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Tyson Fury admits there are concerns about whether time away from the ring might catch up with him this weekend.

The Gypsy King will return to action at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, facing Russian knockout specialist Arslanbek Makhmudov on Saturday night.

Now 37, Fury hasn’t fought since back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr Usyk, with his last appearance coming in December 2024.

Tyson Fury reflects on Deontay Wilder vs Derek Chisora

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Deontay Wilder and Derek Chisora shared the ring again, giving fans an entertaining 12-round contest.

But for all the action, it was clear both men had lost a step, with the fight lacking the sharpness of their earlier years.

Fury has a history with both men, having fought Wilder three times and Chisora twice. Watching them struggle served as a reminder of how time eventually catches up to every fighter.

Now preparing for his return against Arslanbek Makhmudov, Fury is thinking about what he might look like after more than a year out of action.

“By the time the fight comes around on Saturday, I’ll have been out of the ring 16 months,” he told the Inside Ring Show. “At 37 years old, 16 months is a long time. So I have a little bit of stuff to do and to think about in my own mind, and see how I am.”

“After watching Deontay and Chisora the other night fight, it was hard to watch for me. It was sad, it was heartbreaking. And I’d never seen two men slide as much as them two in my life.”

“I’m thinking ‘Am I f—ng next? Is this me?’ So I said to the boys if I’m even ten percent as bad as those guys in my fight take me out to field and shoot me.”

Tyson Fury’s future in boxing: What’s still out there?

Throughout his time in the ring, Tyson Fury has managed to collect every major title available in the heavyweight division.

There isn’t much left for him to accomplish in a sport that’s been part of his life since he was a kid.

Still, one unfinished piece remains: a long-standing rivalry with fellow Brit Anthony Joshua.

The two have spent years circling each other, yet despite plenty of talk, they’ve never actually shared the ring.

Rumours are swirling that the fight could finally happen this September at Croke Park in Dublin.

Eddie Hearn recently pushed back on those claims. Joshua’s promoter says no deal has been signed and that they’re still considering their options. He also mentioned ongoing discussions with Turki Alalshikh about a potential summer matchup with Fury.

If Fury comes through his return fight without any hiccups, talks around the Joshua bout could start moving quickly.

Read more:

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• Tommy Fury urges Tyson to consider retirement ahead of his return to the ring